Carrying case and syringe system with same

ABSTRACT

A carrying case, which accommodates a pharmaceutical injection device for administering a pharmaceutical to a living body, comprises a case unit configured to accommodate the pharmaceutical injection device therein and a temperature regulation unit configured to regulate a temperature within the case unit. The temperature regulation unit includes: a cooling execution section configured to execute a cooling operation; a cooling fan configured to supply a cool air into the case unit; and a cooling control section configured to control the cooling execution section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a carrying case for a pharmaceuticalinjection device equipped with a pharmaceutical syringe containing apharmaceutical for administering the pharmaceutical to a living body,and relates to a syringe system with the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Well-known carrying cases have been designed to accommodate and carry apredetermined article, equipment attached to the article, and the like.Some of the well-known carrying cases that have been commercially viableso far include a type in which an accommodation section is entirelycovered with a shock-absorbing material and a type in which such ashock-absorbing material is used as either a first shock-absorbingmaterial or a second shock-absorbing material depending on situations.

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate an exemplary well-known carrying case. FIG.30A illustrates a top view of a carrying case 101, whereas FIG. 30Billustrates a side view of the carrying case 101. As illustrated in thefigures, the carrying case 101 includes a case unit 102, an articleholding portion 105 for accommodating an article 106, and a lid (notillustrated in the figure). Further, the case unit 102 includes a firstshock-absorbing material 103 and a second shock-absorbing material 104in the inside thereof for protecting the article 106 from shocks (seee.g., Patent Literature 1).

The carrying case 101 can thus mitigate shocks to be applied to thearticle 106.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: Specification of Japanese Patent No. 3010787

SUMMARY Technical Problem

However, when an article accommodated in the aforementioned well-knowncarrying case 101 is an electronic device, an accurate instrument or thelike requiring electrical power, a user is required to carry an electriccharging device (electric charger) with him/her for charging the deviceor the instrument, in addition to the carrying case. Therefore, a useris required to make the space for accommodating an electric chargingdevice. Furthermore, it may sometimes happen that a user may forget tobring the electric charging device with him/her.

Meanwhile, the carrying case 101 does not include enough space toaccommodate the other equipment and thereby cannot accommodate sparepharmaceuticals for which temperature control is required. The carryingcase 101 thereby lacks convenience.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying case anda syringe system for allowing a user to use a pharmaceutical injectiondevice easily and safely.

Solution to Problem

A carrying case according to a first aspect of the present invention isa carrying case for a pharmaceutical injection device for administeringa pharmaceutical to a living body and includes a case unit and anelectric charging device. The case unit is configured to accommodate thepharmaceutical injection device therein. The electric charging device ismounted in the case unit. The electric charging device includes anelectric charging terminal electrically connectable to thepharmaceutical injection device. The electric charging device isconfigured to electrically charge the pharmaceutical injection device.

The following structure is adopted herein for the carrying caseconfigured to accommodate the pharmaceutical injection device so that auser no longer needs to separately carry an electric charging devicewith him/her.

The carrying case includes the case unit, and the electric chargingdevice is mounted and fixed to the case unit for electrically charge thepharmaceutical injection device. The electric charging device includesthe electric charging terminal electrically connectable to thepharmaceutical injection device.

The pharmaceutical injection device may be, for instance, an electronicdevice that accommodates a syringe containing a pharmaceutical andautomatically injects the pharmaceutical into a living body. Theaforementioned case unit may be a case unit that outlines the carryingcase and includes, for instance, a pair of a bottom case and a coverconnected to each other by means of a hinge in an openable/closablemanner. “Electrically connectable” refers to a state that power supplyis available, and may be a state that conductive members are connectedto each other or a non-contact state using electromotive force or thelike (by means of a non-contact electric charging method). The electriccharging device includes, for instance, a power supply circuit forelectric charging, and may include a primary battery and/or an ACadaptor for supplying electric power to the power supply circuit, a jackfor allowing an AC adaptor to be connected thereto, or the like.

Well-known carrying cases for accommodating electronic devices(including portable electronic devices) and the like encloseshock-absorbing materials and the like for absorbing shocks. However,users are required to separately carry the electric charging devices forsupplying electric power to the electronic devices. Therefore, users arerequired to secure the spaces for accommodating the electric chargingdevices and may forget to bring the electric charging devices with themin some cases.

In view of the above, the carrying case of the present inventionincludes the electric charging device in the case unit.

The structure allows a user to bring the pharmaceutical injection deviceand the electric charging device required for electrically charging thepharmaceutical injection device while both of them are fixed to thecarrying case. In other words, a user is allowed to bring an electriccharging device and a pharmaceutical injection device in a singlecarrying case.

As a result, a user is no longer required to secure the space foraccommodating an electric charging device in the carrying case andseparately carry an electric charging device with him/her, and the like.It is thereby possible to prevent such a situation that electriccharging is not available when a user is out because he/she forgets tobring an electric charging device with him/her.

A carrying case according to a second aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect of thepresent invention, in which the electric charging device includes aconnector allowing an AC adaptor to be connected thereto.

The connector may be, for instance, a plug-in jack, a connector mountedon a circuit board included in the electric charging device, or thelike.

It is thereby possible to connect an external AC adaptor to the electriccharging device or to accommodate an AC adaptor electrically connectedto the electric charging device in the carrying case.

As a result, the electric charging device is allowed to receive electricpower from a commercial power source through an AC adaptor.

A carrying case according to a third aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to one of the first and secondaspects of the present invention. In the carrying case, the electriccharging device includes an AC adaptor. The AC adaptor is electricallyconnected to the connector.

The electric charging device includes an AC adaptor.

Preferably, the AC adaptor has a plug portion protruded to the outsideof the case unit. The plug portion may be configured to be protruded bymeans of a slide mechanism or the like.

It is thereby possible to preliminarily include an AC adaptor in thecarrying case. Therefore, a user is no longer required to separatelycarry an AC adaptor with him/her.

As a result, it is possible to prevent a user from forgetting to bringan AC adaptor with him/her.

A carrying case according to a fourth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to one of the first to thirdaspects of the present invention. In the carrying case, the electriccharging device includes a primary battery.

The electric charging device includes a primary battery for electricallycharging the pharmaceutical injection device.

The primary battery herein refers to a battery that can supply electricpower by itself.

It is thereby possible to supply electric power for charging to thepharmaceutical injection device from the primary battery withoutsupplying electric power for charging thereto from the outside.Therefore, a user is allowed to execute electric charging of thepharmaceutical injection device even when he/she is in a place without acommercial power source or when he/she is moving. Further, the ACadaptor and the primary battery may be selectively used depending onsituations.

As a result, it is possible to provide a user-friendly carrying casewith the electric charging function using a generally prevalent primarybattery.

A carrying case according to a fifth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect or the fourthaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the electriccharging device includes a rechargeable battery. The electric chargingdevice is configured to electrically charge the rechargeable battery.

It is thereby possible to more reliably supply electric power to thepharmaceutical injection device.

A carrying case according to a sixth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect of thepresent invention. In the carrying case, the electric charging deviceincludes either a manual electric charging unit or a solar battery unit.

It is thereby possible to more reliably supply electric power to thepharmaceutical injection device.

A carrying case according to a seventh aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the fifth aspect of thepresent invention. In the carrying case, the electric charging device isconfigured to electrically charge either the pharmaceutical injectiondevice or the rechargeable battery in a non-contact manner.

It is thereby possible to more easily supply electric power to thepharmaceutical injection device.

A carrying case according to an eighth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to one of the first to seventhaspects of the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unitincludes a recess for accommodating the pharmaceutical injection device.The electric charging terminal of the electric charging device isprotruded from the recess in a retractable manner.

The electric charging terminal is protruded from the recess foraccommodating the pharmaceutical injection device in a retractablemanner.

It is thereby possible to electrically connect a terminal receiver ofthe pharmaceutical injection device to the electric charging terminalwhile the pharmaceutical injection device is placed (accommodated) inthe recess of the case unit. Therefore, the pharmaceutical injectiondevice is allowed to be electrically charged while being accommodated inthe case unit. The terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injectiondevice herein refers to a section allowing the electric chargingterminal to be electrically connected thereto. The terminal receiver iselectrically connected to a rechargeable battery (battery) provided inthe pharmaceutical injection device.

As a result, it is possible to provide a carrying case that allows apharmaceutical injection device to be accommodated therein and to beelectrically charged easily.

A carrying case according to a ninth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the eighth aspect of thepresent invention. In the carrying case, the electric charging deviceincludes an elastic member attached to the electric charging terminaland configured to urge the electric charging terminal to be protrudedfrom the top of the recess of the case unit.

Examples of the elastic member include a metal spring such as a coilspring, a resin spring such as urethane and rubber, or other membersmade of material with elasticity.

It is thereby possible to eliminate variation in sizes among thepharmaceutical injection device, the case unit and the electric chargingdevice when the terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection deviceand the electric charging terminal of the electric charging device makecontact with each other. Therefore, the electric charging terminal andthe terminal receiver are allowed to reliably make contact with eachother while the pharmaceutical injection device is accommodated in therecess of the case unit.

As a result, it is possible to prevent a failure of electric chargingdue to loose connection and avoid troubles such as shortage of electricpower in use.

A carrying case according to a tenth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect of thepresent invention. In the carrying case, the case unit includes anopenable/closable pair of a cover and a bottom case. The electriccharging device is configured to stop or start electric charging inconjunction with an opening or a closing action of the cover and thebottom case.

Electric charging is allowed to be stopped or started in conjunctionwith an opening action or a closing action of the case unit. Therefore,it is possible to automatically execute an electric charging operationwithout making a user aware of it.

A carrying case according to an eleventh aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect of thepresent invention. The carrying case further includes a display unit.

It is thereby possible to enhance convenience of the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a twelfth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the eleventh aspect of thepresent invention. In the carrying case, the display unit is configuredto execute a display operation using a liquid crystal, an organic EL oran LED.

A carrying case according to a thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the eleventh aspector the twelfth aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case,the display unit is configured to display an electric charging status, adata communication status, a conduction status or error content.

A carrying case according to a fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the thirteenthaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the display unitis configured to display, as the electric charging status, a remainderfrequency of pharmaceutical injections by the pharmaceutical injectiondevice.

A carrying case according to a fifteenth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect of thepresent invention. The carrying case further includes at least either ofan audio unit and a vibration unit. At least either of the audio unitand vibration unit is configured to inform a user of predeterminedinformation by means of an audio guide, an alert buzzer or a vibration.

The predetermined information herein refers to a current status of thecarrying case such as an electric charging status, a communicationstatus, a conduction status, warning, caution or the like (e.g., theremaining available number of times for injections by the pharmaceuticalinjection device based on the amount of injected pharmaceutical agent).The audio unit is configured to inform a user of the predeterminedinformation by means of a buzzer, a sounder, a speaker or the like. Thevibration unit is configured to cause a vibrator or the like to generatevibrations in the carrying case and thereby inform a user of thepredetermined information.

It is thereby possible to inform a visually and/or auditory disableduser of information. Therefore, it is possible to enhance convenienceand safety of the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a sixteenth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the first aspect of thepresent invention. The carrying case further includes an input unitconfigured to receive an information input by a user.

The input unit herein may be built in the carrying case or an externalinput unit.

A carrying case according to a seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the first aspect ofthe present invention. In the carrying case, the case unit furtherincludes a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism is configured to securethe pharmaceutical injection device to the case unit such that theelectric charging terminal of the electric charging device makes contactwith a terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection device.

The lock mechanism herein secures the pharmaceutical injection device tothe electric charging device.

For example, it is possible to use, as the lock mechanism, an engagingmember configured to secure the electric charging device and thepharmaceutical injection device with each other by the electric chargingdevice engaging with a part of the pharmaceutical injection device. Whenthe electric charging terminal is protruded from the recess, the lockmechanism is preferably disposed such that the pharmaceutical injectiondevice is secured to the recess.

It is thereby possible to reliably secure the pharmaceutical injectiondevice to the electric charging device. When the electric chargingterminal is protruded from the recess, the pharmaceutical injectiondevice can be reliably in contact with and fixed to the electriccharging device while being secured to the recess.

As a result, the pharmaceutical injection device can be prevented frombeing removed from the electric charging device due to vibrations orshocks. Therefore, the pharmaceutical injection device can be reliablyelectrically charged.

A carrying case according to an eighteenth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the first aspect ofthe present invention. In the carrying case, the case unit includes anopenable/closable pair of a cover and a bottom case. The cover includesa transparent window portion, a translucent window portion or a cutoutwindow portion.

The carrying case is divided into a cover and a bottom case. The coveris provided with a window portion for allowing a user to check whetheror not the pharmaceutical injection device is accommodated in thecarrying case.

The cover and the bottom case are preferably connected to each other bymeans of, for instance, a hinge or the like. For example, a transparentplastic, glass or the like may be used for the window portion.

It is thereby possible for a user to visually check the inside of thecarrying case through the window portion. Therefore, a user is allowedto easily check whether or not the pharmaceutical injection device isaccommodated in the carrying case.

As a result, it is possible to prevent a user from forgetting to put thepharmaceutical injection device in the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a nineteenth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the eighteenthaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the bottom caseincludes an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism is configured toengage with the cover when the cover is in a closed state.

Preferably, the engaging mechanism is, for instance, a slide knobincluding a slide mechanism or the like.

It is thereby possible to control opening and closing of the cover andthe bottom case. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the carrying casefrom being accidentally opened.

As a result, a user can safely carry the carrying case with him/her.

A carrying case according to a twentieth aspect of the present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the eighteenth aspect or thenineteenth aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, thecover includes an equipment presser rib. The equipment presser rib isconfigured to hold equipment for the pharmaceutical injection device tobe accommodated in the bottom case.

The cover is provided with the equipment presser rib for holdingequipment necessary for the pharmaceutical injection device.

The equipment includes a needle to be used for the pharmaceuticalinjection device, a spare pharmaceutical syringe and the like. Thebottom case is preferably provided with an equipment accommodationportion for accommodating the aforementioned equipment.

The equipment can be thereby held while the cover is closed. Therefore,the equipment can be prevented from being scattered in the carryingcase.

As a result, it is possible to provide a carrying case that is moreuser-friendly than well-known carrying cases.

A carrying case according to a twenty-first aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to one of theeighteenth to twentieth aspects of the present invention. In thecarrying case, the cover includes a first shock-absorbing member in aninner side thereof for protecting the pharmaceutical injection device.

The shock-absorbing member includes a material for absorbing shocks, andmay be made of rubber.

Even when the pharmaceutical injection device collides against theinside of the cover when the carrying case is in a closed state, shockscan be mitigated.

As a result, it is possible to provide the carrying case for protectingthe pharmaceutical injection device from being damaged or broken.

A carrying case according to a twenty-second aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to one of the first totwenty-first aspects of the present invention. In the carrying case, theelectric charging device includes a second shock-absorbing member forprotecting electronic components included in the electric chargingdevice from shocks.

It is thereby possible to protect a primary battery, a power supplycircuit or the like included in the electric charging device fromshocks.

A carrying case according to a twenty-third aspect of the presentinvention is a carrying case configured to accommodate a pharmaceuticalinjection device for administering a pharmaceutical to a living body.The carrying case includes: a case unit accommodating the pharmaceuticalinjection device therein; and a temperature regulation unit configuredto regulate a temperature within the case unit. The temperatureregulation unit includes: a cooling execution section configured toexecute a cooling operation; a cooling fan configured to supply a coolair into the case unit; and a cooling control section configured tocontrol the cooling execution section.

The carrying case includes the temperature regulation unit and a coolair is supplied to the inside of the case unit by controlling andexecuting a cooling operation. Accordingly, a user is allowed to carrythe pharmaceutical that requires a temperature control with him/herusing the carrying case. Therefore, it is possible to enhance safety andconvenience of the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unitfurther includes at least one temperature sensor. The cooling controlsection of the temperature regulation unit is configured to control thecooling execution section based on a value/values measured by the atleast one temperature sensor.

For example, the cooling control section is configured to calculate adifference between the temperature data of the temperaturesensor/sensors and a preliminarily set cooling setting temperature. Thecooling control section then regulates the temperature inside the caseunit by controlling a cooling level (rapid cooling, strong cooling,intermediate cooling, weak cooling and the like) in accordance with thattemperature difference.

It is thereby possible to automatically regulate the temperature in theinside of the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the present invention. The carrying case further includes anelectric charging device. The electric charging device is mounted in thecase unit, includes an electric charging terminal electricallyconnectable to the pharmaceutical injection device, and is configured toelectrically charge the pharmaceutical injection device. Further, thetemperature regulation unit is configured to be operated by electricpower supplied from the electric charging device.

It is thereby possible to operate the temperature regulation unit byelectric power supplied by the electric charging device. Therefore, itis possible to stably regulate the temperature in the inside of thecarrying case.

A carrying case according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unitincludes an openable/closable pair of a cover and a bottom case. Thetemperature regulation unit is configured to stop or start a coolingoperation in conjunction with an opening action or a closing action ofthe cover and the bottom case.

It is possible to stop or start the cooling operation in conjunctionwith the opening or closing action of the case unit. Therefore, it ispossible to automatically control a cooling operation in the inside ofthe carrying case without making a user aware of it.

A carrying case according to a twenty-seventh aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unit ismade of a material having either a thermal insulation property or asealing property.

It is thereby possible to enhance a cooling effect in the inside of thecarrying case.

A carrying case according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unit hasa sealing member attached on an outer surface thereof.

It is thereby possible to enhance a cooling effect in the inside of thecarrying case.

A carrying case according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the twenty-thirdaspect of the present invention. The carrying case further includes adisplay unit configured to display a temperature status in the inside ofthe case unit.

It is thereby possible for a user to see the temperature status in theinside of the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a thirtieth aspect of the present inventionis a carrying case configured to accommodate a pharmaceutical injectiondevice for administering a pharmaceutical to a living body. The carryingcase includes a case unit accommodating the pharmaceutical injectiondevice. The case unit includes at least one equipment accommodationportion configured to accommodate a single piece or plurality pieces ofequipment required for the pharmaceutical injection device.

The carrying case includes the accommodation portion for accommodatingthe equipment. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance safety andconvenience of the carrying case.

A carrying case according to a thirty-first aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the thirtieth aspectof the present invention. In the carrying case, the at least oneequipment accommodation portion is configured to accommodate at leastone of the following equipment: a needle for the pharmaceuticalinjection device; a pharmaceutical syringe, a sterilization member; aused needle; a protection cap for the needle; a puncture device forcollecting blood; a needle for the puncture device; a blood glucosemeter for measuring a blood glucose level; a sensor to be used for theblood glucose meter; and a sensor bottle for accommodating the sensor.

A carrying case according to a thirty-second aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the thirtieth aspectof the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unit furtherincludes an equipment holding portion configured to hold a protectioncap for a needle thereon.

The equipment holding portion for holding the protection cap thereon isa portion for temporarily holding thereon the protection cap that hasbeen removed from an unused needle for the pharmaceutical injectiondevice while the pharmaceutical injection device with the unused needleattached thereon is in use, for instance. Then, the protection cap isattached to the used needle and then is discarded.

It is thereby possible for a user to more safely discard the needleafter use.

A carrying case according to a thirty-third aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to the thirtieth aspectof the present invention. In the carrying case, the case unit furtherincludes a mixture portion configured to be inserted into an end of apharmaceutical syringe for mixing the pharmaceutical within thepharmaceutical syringe.

It is thereby possible to mix the pharmaceuticals in the inside of thepharmaceutical syringe by inserting the mixture portion into the end ofthe pharmaceutical syringe. Accordingly, it is possible for a user touse the pharmaceutical syringe safely and easily.

A carrying case according to a thirty-fourth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to one of the first,twenty-third and thirtieth aspects of the present invention. In thecarrying case, the case unit includes an inner case, and furtherincludes a third shock-absorbing member between the case unit and theinner case.

The inner case herein refers to a component for appropriatelypositioning the pharmaceutical injection device within the case unit andfor preventing collision between the case unit and the pharmaceuticalinjection device.

It is thereby possible to mitigate shocks applied to the inner case whenthe carrying case collides with something or falls to the ground or thelike. Therefore, it is possible to protect, from the shocks, thecomponents accommodated in the inner case such as a pharmaceuticalinjection device, equipment, and an electric charging device coupled tothe inner case.

As a result, it is possible for a user to carry, with him/her, anaccurate instrument/instruments such as an electric charging device or apharmaceutical injection device, a glass product/products such as apharmaceutical syringe, and/or the like, without damaging or breakingthese components.

A carrying case according to a thirty-fifth aspect of the presentinvention relates to the carrying case according to one of the first,twenty-third and thirtieth aspects of the present invention. In thecarrying case, the case unit is antibacterial.

It is thereby possible to prevent substances (e.g., blood) from beingattached to the surface of the carrying case. Therefore, the carryingcase achieves sanitation and also enhances safety.

A syringe system according to a thirty-sixth aspect of the presentinvention includes the carrying case according to one of the first,twenty-third and thirtieth aspects of the present invention and apharmaceutical injection device configured to be accommodated in thecarrying case.

It is thereby possible to provide a syringe system that allows a user toeasily and reliably carry an electric charging device with him/her.

Advantageous Effects

According to the carrying case and the syringe system of the presentinvention, easy and safe usage of the pharmaceutical injection devicecan be assured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an opened state of a carrying case for asyringe system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a bottom case of the carrying caseillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the bottom case, andFIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a major part of thebottom case;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the syringe system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a major part of a carrying case according to amodification of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a syringe system including the carryingcase illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a major part of a carrying case according toanother modification of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a syringe system including the carryingcase illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a major part of a carrying case according toyet another modification of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a syringe system including the carryingcase illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an opened state of a carrying case fora syringe system according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an engaged state of a lock plate ofthe carrying case illustrated in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12B is a diagramillustrating a usage condition of a protection cap for a needle;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a pharmaceutical presser rib whenthe carrying case illustrated in FIG. 11 is closed;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a bottom case of a carrying case according toa third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the bottom baseillustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C are diagrams illustrating a series of actions of atwo-pharmaceutical mixing portion of the carrying case illustrated inFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electric section of acarrying case and an electric section of a pharmaceutical injectiondevice in a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates patterns of a display unit for the carrying caseaccording to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present inventionand for a carrying case according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an opened state of a carrying case fora syringe system according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 20A to FIG. 20C are diagrams illustrating one configuration exampleof the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C are diagrams illustrating another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 22A to FIG. 22 C are diagrams illustrating yet anotherconfiguration example of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 24A to FIG. 24C are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 25A to FIG. 25C are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 26A to FIG. 26C are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 27A to FIG. 27C are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 28A to FIG. 28D are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention;

FIG. 29A to FIG. 29C are diagrams illustrating yet another configurationexample of the carrying case of the present invention; and

FIGS. 30A and 30B are a cross-sectional side view and a cross-sectionaltop view of a well-known carrying case, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 1 First Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a syringe system 50 including a carrying case 1and a pharmaceutical injection device 21 according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

<1.1 Carrying Case 1>

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the carrying case 1 mainly includes a bottomcase 2 (exemplifying a case unit), a bottom inner case 3 (exemplifyingan inner case), a cover 20 (also exemplifying a case unit) and anelectric charging device 3 a (FIG. 3). It should be noted that FIG. 1partially omits illustration of the configuration of the cover 20 butthe omitted part has an outline similar to that of the bottom case 2.

<1.1.1 Cover 20>

The cover 20 forms a framework of the carrying case 1 with the bottomcase 2. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover 20 includes a support shaftholding portion (or portions) 20 a, a support shaft (or shafts) 20 b, anequipment presser rib (or ribs) 20 c, a shock-absorbing material (ormaterials) 20 d (exemplifying a first shock-absorbing material) forprotecting the pharmaceutical injection device 21, and a window portion20 e.

The support shaft holding portion (or portions) 20 a is disposed in acoupling part of the cover 20 to the bottom case 2 and includes anaperture (or apertures) for press-fit insertion of the support shaft 20b in the inside thereof.

The support shaft (or shafts) 20 b is held in the aperture (orapertures) of the support shaft holding portion (or portions) 20 a whilebeing inserted into a support shaft insertion portion (or portions) 2 aof the bottom case 2. The structure allows the cover 20 and the bottomcase 2 to be opened and closed.

The support shaft holding portion (or portions) 20 a and the supportshaft (or shafts) 20 b form a hinge (or hinges).

The equipment presser rib (or ribs) 20 c is disposed on the inner sideof the cover 20. The equipment presser rib (or ribs) 20 c is configuredto press and hold the respective equipment pieces of the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 while the carrying case 1 is in a closed state. Thestructure prevents the equipment from being scattered within thecarrying case 1.

It should be noted that examples of the equipment pieces include anunused needle (or needles) 23, a pharmaceutical syringe or a syringecontaining a spare pharmaceutical (or pharmaceuticals), which ishereinafter referred to as “a pharmaceutical syringe”, a used needle (orneedles), a protection cap (or caps) for a needle (or needles), a bloodglucose meter for measuring a blood glucose level, a sensor (or sensors)to be used for the blood glucose meter, a sensor bottle foraccommodating a sensor (or sensors), a sterilization member (ormembers), and other devices and parts such as a puncture device forcollecting blood and a needle (or needles) for the puncture device.

The shock-absorbing material (or materials) 20 d is disposed on theinner side of the cover 20. The shock-absorbing material (or materials)20 d is configured to press and hold the pharmaceutical injection device21 while the carrying case 1 is in a closed state. The structure canmitigate shocks to be applied to the carrying case 1 due to falling,vibration, collision or the like. The pharmaceutical injection device 21can be thereby protected from such shocks.

The window portion 20 e is arranged in such a position that a user cansee a pharmaceutical injection device 21 accommodated in the carryingcase 1 through the window portion 20 e from the outside while thecarrying case 1 is in a closed state. The window portion 20 e is made oftransparent or translucent plastic or glass, or is alternatively formedas a cutout. Accordingly, a user is allowed to visually check whether ornot the pharmaceutical injection device 21 is accommodated in thecarrying case 1 without opening the carrying case 1.

<1.1.2 Bottom Case 2>

As described above, the bottom case 2 forms a framework of the carryingcase 1 with the cover 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottomcase 2 includes a shock-absorbing material 4, other shock-absorbingmaterial (or materials) 14 (see FIG. 3A), the support shaft insertionportion (or portions) 2 a and a slide knob 25 (exemplifying an engagingmechanism). Further, the bottom case 2 has a flat bottom surface. Thecarrying case 1 is thereby stably placed on a table or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the shock-absorbing material 4 is disposedbetween the bottom case 2 and the bottom inner case 3 while beingdisposed along the inner outline of the bottom case 2. The structure canmitigate shocks applied to the bottom case 2 from the outside. In otherwords, the structure can protect the bottom inner case 3 and thearticles accommodated in the bottom inner case 3 from the externalshocks.

The shock-absorbing material (or materials) 14 is interposed between thebottom case 2 and a collar (collars) 15 that surrounds a screw (orscrews) 16. The screw (or screws) 16 securely couples the bottom case 2and the bottom inner case 3. It should be noted that the screw (orscrews) 16 is preferably made of elastic resin. Meanwhile, the collar(or collars) 15 is a tubular member (or members) disposed on the outerperiphery of the screw (or screws) 16. Similarly to the shock-absorbingmaterial 4, the structure can protect the bottom inner case 3 and thearticles accommodated in the inside of the bottom inner case 3.

The support shaft insertion portion (or portions) 2 a is disposed in thecoupling part between the bottom case 2 and the cover 20. As describedabove, the support shaft (or shafts) 20 b is inserted into the supportshaft insertion portion (or portions) 2 a, so the support shaftinsertion portion (or portions) 2 a functions as a bearing (orbearings).

The slide knob 25 is disposed on a side surface of the carrying case 1.The slide knob 25 is configured to be engaged with an engaged portion(not illustrated in the figures) of the cover 20 by sliding a slideportion thereof for closing the carrying case 1. The bottom case 2 andthe cover 20 are thereby locked to each other. Accordingly, the carryingcase 1 can be prevented from being unnecessarily opened.

<1.1.3 Bottom Inner Case 3>

The bottom inner case 3 outlines accommodating positions for articles.As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom inner case 3 is disposed in theinner side of the bottom case 2 with the shock-absorbing material 4therebetween. The bottom inner case 3 is securely coupled to the bottomcase 2 by means of the screw (or screws) 16. Further, the bottom innercase 3 includes a main body accommodation portion 6 (recess) and anequipment accommodation portions 5.

The main body accommodation portion 6 is a recess for accommodating thepharmaceutical injection device 21 and has a shape for allowing aroughly bottom half of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to befitted therein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the equipment accommodation portions 5includes a needle accommodation portion (or portions) 30, apharmaceutical accommodation portion 31 and a needle protection capholding portion 22 (exemplifying an equipment holding portion). Theneedle accommodation portion (or portions) 30 is a portion (or portions)for accommodating the unused needle (or needles) 23 to be attached tothe pharmaceutical injection device 21 for injecting medical solution.The needle accommodation portion 30 is recessed so as to match with theshape of the unused needle 23. A protection cap (or caps) is attached tothe unused needle (or needles) 23. The pharmaceutical accommodationportion 31 is a portion for accommodating a spare pharmaceutical syringe24 containing medical solution. The pharmaceutical accommodation portion31 is recessed so as to match with the shape of the spare pharmaceuticalsyringe 24. The protection cap holding portion 22 is a recess forallowing a protection cap (or caps) of the unused needle (or needles) tobe temporarily held therein, for instance, when the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 attached with the unused needle that has beenremoved from the protection cap is in use.

<1.1.4 Electric Charging Device 3 a>

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the electric charging device 3 a isconfigured to electrically charge the pharmaceutical injection device21. The electric charging device 3 a is embedded between the bottominner case 3 and the bottom case 2. The electric charging device 3 aincludes an electric charging unit 17, a power supply printed circuitboard 13, an LED 10 (exemplifying a light source unit), lock arms 7 and8 (exemplifying a lock mechanism), an AC adaptor 12 and ashock-absorbing material (or materials) 19 (exemplifying a secondshock-absorbing material or materials).

The electric charging unit 17 is configured to be electrically connectedto a terminal receiver 39 of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 whenthe pharmaceutical injection device 21 is electrically charged. Theelectric charging unit 17 includes an electric charging terminal 9 andan electric charging terminal spring 9 a (exemplifying an elasticmember).

The electric charging terminal 9 is electrically connected to theterminal receiver 39 that is a connector for electrically charging thepharmaceutical injection device 21. The electric charging terminal 9 isdisposed such that one of the ends thereof penetrates the bottom innercase 3 and protrudes from the surface of the main body accommodationportion 6. In other words, the electric charging terminal 9 is formedsuch that, when the pharmaceutical injection device 21 is accommodatedin the main body accommodation portion 6, the terminal receiver 39 ofthe pharmaceutical injection device 21 make contact with the protrudedend of the electric charging terminal 9. Further, the electric chargingterminal 9 is electrically connected to the power supply printed circuitboard 13.

The electric charging terminal spring 9 a urges the electric chargingterminal 9 in a direction for making the electric charging terminal 9protrude into the main body accommodation portion 6. The electriccharging terminal spring 9 a is coupled to the other of the ends(opposite to the aforementioned protruded end) of the electric chargingterminal 9. When the pharmaceutical injection device 21 is accommodatedin the main body accommodation portion 6, the electric charging terminal9 is pressed against the urging force of the electric charging terminalspring 9 a until the electric charging terminal 9 is not protruded intothe main body accommodation portion 6 while making contact with theterminal receiver 39 of the pharmaceutical injection device 21. Theterminal receiver 39 of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 therebyreliably makes contact with the electric charging terminal 9, andfailure of electric charging can be thereby avoided.

The power supply printed circuit board 13 is configured to regulateelectric power supplied from the AC adaptor 12 and supply the electricpower to the electric charging terminal 9, the LED 10 and the like. Thepower supply printed circuit board 13 is fixed between the bottom case 2and the bottom inner case 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, thepower supply printed circuit board 13 is fixed therein by means of ascrew (screws) 18 as illustrated in FIG. 3 (b). Further, the powersupply printed circuit board 13 is electrically connected to the ACadaptor 12, the electric charging terminal 9 and the LED 10. Yetfurther, the power supply printed circuit board 13 includes a connector13 a to be connected to the AC adaptor 12 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Itshould be noted that the connector 13 a and the AC adaptor 12 may bedetachable.

The lock arms 7 and 8 are configured to fix the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 to the electric charging device 3 a when the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is placed in the carrying case 1.

The AC adaptor 12 is configured to receive alternate current (AC) powerfrom a commercial power source (AC power source, 100 V of AC) andconvert AC power into direct current (DC) power. The adaptor 12 includesa plug 11. The plug 11 is used for connecting the AC adaptor 12 to anoutlet. The plug 11 is disposed so as to protrude out of the bottom case2. Specifically, the plug 11 may be fixedly disposed so as to protrudeout of the bottom case 2. Alternatively, the plug 11 may be a slide typestructure or a rotary type structure configured to be accommodated inthe inside of the bottom case 2.

Further, a clearance 2 b is provided between the AC adaptor 12 and thebottom case 2. It is possible to avoid the AC adaptor 12 and the bottomcase 2 from making contact with each other and receiving load even whenthe bottom inner case 3 is displaced with respect to the bottom case 2by the shocks due to falling, collision or the like.

The LED 10 is configured to indicate to a user whether or not theelectric charging device 3 a is chargeable. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the LED 10 is fitted in the bottom case 2. The LED 10 is electricallyconnected to the power supply printed circuit board 13. The LED 10 emitslight when the electric charging device 3 a is in a chargeable state, inother words, when the plug 11 is connected to an outlet and nomalfunction (trouble) has occurred in the power supply printed circuitboard 13 and the like in the present exemplary embodiment. It should benoted that the LED 10 may be disposed in the inside of the bottom case2. In this case, any structures may be used as long as the light emittedby the LED 10 is brought to the outside of the bottom case 2 using alight guide plate or the like. Simply put, any structures may be used aslong as a user is allowed to visually check the light of the LED 10 fromthe outside of the carrying case 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the lock arms 7 and 8 detachably fix thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to the main body accommodationportion 6 so that the terminal receiver 39 securely makes contact withthe electric charging terminal 9. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A, thelock arms 7 and 8 are disposed on the side parts of the main bodyaccommodation portion 6 of the bottom inner case 3. The lock arms 7 and8 are respectively fixed so as to pivot about their fixed positions onthe bottom inner case 3. Additionally, the lock arms 7 and 8 arerespectively configured to be engaged with dents of the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 by means of springs. The pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 can be thereby stably held within the carrying case 1.

The shock-absorbing material (or materials) 19 is disposed in thesurrounding of the power supply printed circuit board 13 and the ACadaptor 12 for absorbing the shocks applied to the carrying case 1 dueto falling, collision or the like. It is thereby possible to protectelectronic components including the power supply printed circuit board13, the AC adaptor 12 and the like.

<1.2 Pharmaceutical Injection Device 21>

The pharmaceutical injection device 21 is a device for administering apharmaceutical to a living body from a pharmaceutical syringe. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the pharmaceutical injection device 21 mainlyincludes a main operating section 21 b, a rechargeable battery 29 and anelectric charging circuit 40.

The electric charging circuit 40 is configured to regulate electricpower received through the electric charging device 3 a of the carryingcase 1 for supplying the electric power to the rechargeable battery 29.The electric charging circuit 40 is electrically connected to theterminal receiver 39. The electric charging circuit 40 is alsocontrolled by a microcomputer 34.

The rechargeable battery 29 is a battery configured to be electricallycharged for allowing the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to operate.The rechargeable battery 29 is electrically connected to the electriccharging circuit 40.

The main operating section 21 b includes a display unit 32, an inputunit 33, the microcomputer 34, a drive unit 35, a memory 36 and a sensor37.

The display unit 32 is a liquid crystal display or the like configuredto display a variety of necessary information and messages regarding anoperation of air vent in the pharmaceutical syringe, which will bedescribe later, the remaining battery level of the rechargeable battery29 and the like.

The input unit 33 includes a button for switching power on/off of thepharmaceutical injection device 21, a button for air vent in thepharmaceutical syringe, a button for accepting procession to the nextstep when a necessary operation is done (e.g., when an air ventoperation is done or when various display contents are acknowledged) andthe like.

The microcomputer 34 is configured to control an entire operation of thepharmaceutical injection device 21.

The drive unit 35 is configured to displace a piston to push apharmaceutical out of the syringe and inject the pharmaceutical into aliving body through a syringe needle.

The memory 36 stores a variety of data to be used in the microcomputer34.

The sensor 37 detects whether or not the AC adaptor 12 is connected to apower source.

Further, the carrying case 1 accommodates an unused needle (or needles)23 and a spare pharmaceutical syringe 24 as equipment pieces of thepharmaceutical injection device 21.

<1.3 Features of First Exemplary Embodiment>

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the carrying case 1 of the presentexemplary embodiment is a carrying case for the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 configured to administer a pharmaceutical to a living body,and includes a pair of the cover 20 and the bottom case 2 (exemplifyinga case unit), the bottom inner case 3 and the electric charging device 3a. The case unit is allowed to be opened and closed. The bottom innercase 3 is fixed to the inside of the case unit and allows thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to be accommodated therein. Theelectric charging device 3 a is fixed to the bottom inner case 3,includes the electric charging terminal 9 electrically connectable tothe pharmaceutical injection device 21, and electrically charges thepharmaceutical injection device 21.

The structure allows a user to carry both the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 and the electric charging device 3 a with him/her while thetwo devices are fixed to the carrying case 1. In other words, a user cancarry both the electric charging device 3 a and the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 in a single carrying case 1.

As a result, a user no longer needs to secure a space for accommodatingthe electric charging device within a carrying case 1 or separatelycarry an electric charging device 3 a with him/her. Therefore, it ispossible to prevent a situation that a user forgets to bring an electriccharging device 3 a with him/her and thereby cannot charge thepharmaceutical injection device when being out.

<1.4 Modifications of First Exemplary Embodiment>

(A)

In the aforementioned first exemplary embodiment, an example in whichthe AC adaptor 12 is disposed within the carrying case 1 has been given.However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to this.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, for instance, the AC adaptor 12 may bean external attachment component. Simply put, the carrying case 1includes the AC adaptor 12 as an attachable/detachable component.Specifically, the carrying case 1 includes a jack (exemplifying aconnector) 28. Further, the AC adaptor 12 includes a cord 26, a DC plug26 a and a plug 11. The DC plug 26 a of the AC adaptor 12 is detachablyconnected to the jack 28.

The structure allows the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to beelectrically charged by connecting the AC adaptor 12 to the jack 28 onlywhen charging is necessary for the pharmaceutical injection device 21.Therefore, a user can carry the AC adaptor 12 with him/her depending onhis/her needs.

As a result, a user is allowed to carry the carrying case 1 without ACadaptor 12 with him/her. In other words, it is possible to make thecarrying case 1 more compact.

(B)

In the aforementioned first exemplary embodiment, an example in whichthe electric charging device 3 a of the carrying case 1 includes an ACadaptor 12 and a commercial power source is used as a power supplysource has been given. However, the present exemplary embodiment is notlimited to this.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, for instance, the electric chargingdevice 3 a of the carrying case 1 may include a primary battery 27without having an AC adaptor. In this case, the carrying case 1 mayinclude a plurality of primary batteries 27. Further, the primarybattery 27 may be an alkaline cell, a manganese cell or the like. Yetfurther, the primary battery 27 is preferably replaceable.

With the structure, it is possible to supply a DC power from the primarybattery 27 to the power supply printed circuit board 13 and electricallycharge the rechargeable battery 29 of the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 through the electric charging terminal 9. In other words, thecarrying case 1 is not equipped with an AC adaptor therein and can bethereby lightweight. Further, a user does no longer need to carry an ACadaptor with him/her as an external attachment component. Therefore, itis possible to provide a highly portable carrying case.

(C)

Further, as to another exemplary modification of the aforementionedfirst exemplary embodiment, for instance, the electric charging device 3a of the carrying case 1 may have both the primary battery 27 and the ACadaptor 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, the powersupply printed circuit board 13 includes a switch control unitconfigured to switch between a power supply from the primary battery 27and a power supply from the AC adaptor 12. Further, the electriccharging device 3 a may include a sensor 37 for detecting whether or notthe AC adaptor 12 is connected to a power source such as a commercialpower source or the like. Therefore, the electric charging device 3 amay cause the aforementioned switch control unit to switch between thepower supply sources based on an output from the sensor 37 and supplyelectric power.

The electric charging device 3 a may include a plurality of the primarybatteries 27. Further, the primary battery 27 may be an alkaline cell ora manganese cell.

With the structure, when a user brings an AC adaptor 12 with him/her, itis possible to electrically charge the pharmaceutical injection device21 by connecting the AC adaptor 12 to the power source. On the otherhand, when a user does not carry an AC adaptor 12 with him/her, it ispossible to electrically charge the pharmaceutical injection device 21using the primary battery 27.

As a result, a user can choose a power supply source depending onhis/her situation. It is therefore possible to provide a carrying casethat is more user-friendly than well-known carrying cases.

(D)

In the aforementioned first exemplary embodiment, an example in whichthe carrying case 1 includes an LED 10 has been given. However, thepresent exemplary embodiment is not limited to this.

For example, the carrying case 1 may have a lamp or any other suitablelight source instead of an LED 10.

The structure can also achieve similar advantageous effects as thoseachieved by the aforementioned exemplary embodiment.

(E)

In the aforementioned first exemplary embodiment, an example in whichthe carrying case 1 includes an electric charging terminal spring 9 ahas been given. However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limitedto this.

For example, the carrying case 1 may include any suitable elastic memberother than the electric charging terminal spring 9 a. In other words,any suitable elastic member may be used as long as it can urge theelectric charging terminal 9 in a direction that the electric chargingterminal 9 protrudes from the main body accommodation portion 6. Thestructure can also achieve similar advantageous effects as thoseachieved by the aforementioned exemplary embodiment.

(F)

A user may carry the carrying case 1 with him/her while putting it in adrawstring bag or the like. Alternatively, a user may carry the carryingcase 1 with him/her with a strap attached to the carrying case 1. It ispossible to reliably mitigate shocks to the carrying case 1 when ashock-absorbing material is attached to the drawstring bag or the like.

(G)

The carrying case 1 is designed such that the center of gravity isplaced at a position separated away from the hinges (20 a and 20 b)about which the carrying case 1 is opened and closed. Further, thecarrying case 1 is designed to have a weight balance between the bottomcase 2 and the cover 20 such that the bottom case 2 is heavier than thecover 20. With the structure, the carrying case 1 is allowed to bestably placed without partially floating from or tilting when the cover20 is opened.

2. Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 illustrates a syringe system 250 including a carrying case 201and the pharmaceutical injection device 21 according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The carrying case 201 of the second exemplary embodiment ischaracterized in that it includes an open/close detection unit 255 fordetecting opening and closing of a cover 220 and has a function ofstopping and starting electric charging in conjunction with the openingand closing actions of the cover 220.

It should be noted that the carrying case 201 includes a bottom case202, a bottom inner case 203 and the cover 220, similarly to the firstexemplary embodiment. Explanation of the same components as those in thefirst exemplary embodiment will be hereinafter omitted.

<2.1 Open/Close Detection Unit>

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the open/close detection unit 255 fordetecting opening and close of the cover 220 includes a detection sensor257 disposed in the bottom inner case 203. Examples of the detectionsensor 257 include a reflective photosensor, a transmissive photosensorand the like. It is also obviously possible to detect opening andclosing of the cover 20 using a proximity sensor or a mechanical switch.The detection sensor 257, disposed in the inside of the open/closedetection unit 255, detects reflection or transmission of light when thecover 220 is opened or closed using a lock plate 256 disposed in thecover 220. Accordingly, the opening or closing of the cover 220 isdetermined.

The detection sensor 257 is electrically connected to a power supplyprinted circuit board of an electric charging device (not illustrated inthe figures), which is similar to the first exemplary embodiment. Anopen/close detection signal of the detection sensor 257 is inputted intothe power supply printed circuit board. The power supply printed circuitboard then stops or starts electric charging in response to a change ofthe inputted signal. For example, the power supply printed circuit boardstops electric charging in response to an opening of the cover 220 andstarts electric charging in response to a closing of the cover 220.

<2.2 Others>

<2.2.1>

Similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the carrying case 201 ofthe present exemplary embodiment includes a needle protection capholding portion 222. The protection cap holding portion 222 will be usedas follows.

As illustrated in FIG. 12B, an unused needle is put in thepharmaceutical injection device 21 and a needle protection cap 23 a isput on the protection cap holding portion 222. After the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is used, a tip cap 21 a that has been detached fromthe pharmaceutical injection device 21 is pushed from above onto theprotection cap 23 a put on the protection cap holding portion 222. As aresult, a used needle 23 b attached to the tip cap 21 a is attached tothe protection cap 23 a. The used needle 23 b is then discarded togetherwith the protection cap 23 a.

With the structure, the used needle 23 b can be safely detached from thepharmaceutical injection device 21 without being exposed to the outside.Further, the structure allows especially a user with a physicallydisabled hand to discard a needle safely and easily.

<2.2.2>

The carrying case 201 of the present exemplary embodiment includespharmaceutical presser ribs 251 and 252 in the roughly center part ofthe inside of the cover 220 for fixing and protecting the pharmaceuticalsyringe 24 accommodated in the bottom inner case 203.

FIG. 13 illustrates cross-sectional views of the pharmaceutical presserribs 251 and 252 when the carrying case 201 is in a closed state. Aclearance B is formed between the pharmaceutical presser rib 251 and thebottom inner case 203, whereas a clearance A is formed between thepharmaceutical presser rib 252 and the pharmaceutical syringe 24. Theclearance A is greater than the clearance B. From this point, when thecover 220 is further pressed from above, the clearance A is still keptbetween the pharmaceutical presser rib 252 and the pharmaceuticalsyringe 24. Therefore, load is not applied to the pharmaceutical.

It should be noted that a reference numeral 253 in FIG. 11 indicates anequipment presser. When the carrying case 201 is in a closed state, theequipment presser presses a needle accommodation portion (portions) 30(see FIG. 1) that an unused needle (or needles) 23 and the like isaccommodated.

<2.2.3>

Similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the carrying case 201 ofthe present exemplary embodiment includes a window portion 220 e. Thewindow portion 220 e is disposed in such a position that allows thepharmaceutical injection device 21 accommodated in the carrying case 201to be visible from the outside while the carrying case 1 is in a closedstate. The window portion 220 e is made of transparent or translucentplastic or glass, or formed as a cutout. Further, an LED or a displayunit 32 of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 can be visuallychecked through the window portion 220 e.

<2.2.4>

The carrying case 201 of the present exemplary embodiment includes anenlarged recess 259 as a space for taking the pharmaceutical syringe outof the accommodation portion for the pharmaceutical syringe 24 in thebottom inner case 203. Pharmaceutical of the enlarged recess 259 allowsa user to easily take the pharmaceutical syringe 24 out of theaccommodation portion with his/her fingers. Further, the pharmaceuticalsyringe is accommodated such that its needle attachment side thereof isdirected opposite to the enlarged recess 259. Therefore, a user isprevented from touching the needle attachment side of the pharmaceuticalsyringe when taking out the pharmaceutical syringe for attaching aneedle thereto. The needle and the needle attachment portion of thepharmaceutical syringe are thereby prevented from contamination.

<2.2.5>

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the carrying case 201 of the presentexemplary embodiment includes a recess 258 in the bottom inner case 203that allows the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to be accommodated inthe carrying case 201 with a protection cap attached to thepharmaceutical injection device 21. The protection cap 23 a is furtherprotruded than the tip cap 21 a when the pharmaceutical injection device21 is accommodated in the carrying case 201 with the pharmaceuticalsyringe 24, the injection needle 23 attached to the pharmaceuticalsyringe 24, and the protection cap 23 a as a needle cover being attachedto the pharmaceutical injection device 21. Therefore, the recess 258 isformed to accommodate such protruded part. With the configuration, auser does no longer need to attach the pharmaceutical syringe 24 and theneedle with the protection cap 23 a to the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 when the pharmaceutical is administered, and operability canbe thereby enhanced.

<2.3 Features of Second Exemplary Embodiment>

In addition to the aforementioned features of the first exemplaryembodiment, the carrying case 201 of the present exemplary embodimentincludes the open/close detection unit 255 for detecting opening andclosing of the cover 220 and is configured to stop and start electriccharging in response to the opening and closing action of the cover 220.Therefore, the carrying case 201 can efficiently execute electriccharging.

Further, the carrying case 201 of the present exemplary embodimentincludes the protection cap holding portion 222, the pharmaceuticalpresser ribs 251 and 252, the window portion 220 e, the enlarged recess259 for taking out the pharmaceutical syringe, the recess 258 and thelike. Therefore, the carrying case 201 can be a carrying case withsuperior safety and convenience for the pharmaceutical injection device.

3 Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a bottom case 302 of a carrying case 301according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The carrying case 301 of the third exemplary embodiment is mainlycharacterized in that it includes a two-agent mixing portion 305 e. Itshould be noted that explanation of the components identical to those inthe first exemplary embodiment will be hereinafter omitted.

<3.1 Accommodation Portions>

A bottom inner case 303 includes a manual pharmaceutical injectiondevice accommodation portion 305 a, a blood glucose meter accommodationportion 305 b, a puncture device accommodation portion 305 c, a puncturedevice needle accommodation portion 305 d, the two-agent mixing portion305 e, a sterilized absorbent cotton accommodation portion 305 f, ablood glucose sensor/blood glucose sensor bottle accommodation portion305 g, a spare battery accommodation portion 305 h, and a power sourcecord accommodation portion 360.

The manual pharmaceutical injection device accommodation portion 305 aaccommodates, for instance, a manual-type simplified pharmaceuticalinjection device (not illustrated in the figures), which is differentfrom the pharmaceutical injection device 21 (FIG. 1) according to thepresent invention. The puncture device accommodation portion 305 caccommodates a device for executing a puncture operation with respect toa living body for the purpose of measuring a blood glucose level. Thepuncture device needle accommodation portion 305 d accommodates a needlefor the puncture device for measuring a blood glucose level. Thetwo-agent mixing portion 305 e includes a protrusion, which will bedescribed later, and mixes two pharmaceutical agents that are separatedin the initial state within the syringe. The sterilized absorbent cottonaccommodation portion 305 f accommodates sterilized absorbent cottonsfor sterilizing a part of a living body to be injected or punctured. Theblood glucose sensor/blood glucose sensor bottle accommodation portion305 g accommodates a sensor to be attached to the blood glucose meterfor measuring a blood glucose level and a bottle accommodating thesensor. The spare battery accommodation portion 305 h accommodates areplacement battery (a rechargeable battery) for the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21, a replacement battery (a primary battery) for theblood glucose meter, and the like. The power source cord accommodationportion 360 accommodates an AC cord or the like.

As described above, the carrying case of the third exemplary embodimentis an integrated carrying case that allows a user to execute a series ofall operations staring from measurement of a blood glucose level and thelike to injection of the pharmaceutical. The integrated structureprevents user's mistakes such as user's forgetting to bring equipment.Additionally, a user can find which equipment is missing by onlychecking all the equipment pieces accommodated in the carrying case. Itis thus possible to prevent both user's forgetting to bring theequipment and missing of any equipment pieces.

<3.2 Two-Agent Mixing Portion>

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom case 302 similarto FIG. 3A and illustrates a lateral cross-section of the two-agentmixing portion 305 e. FIGS. 16A to 16C are diagrams illustratingoperations of the two-agent mixing portion 305 e. The pharmaceuticalsyringe 24 includes a needle portion 24 a, a pharmaceutical agent(solid) 24 b, a solid containing portion 24 c, a liquid containingportion 24 d, rubbers R1 and R2, and a flow path portion 24 e.

In the initial state as illustrated in FIG. 16A, the solidpharmaceutical agent 24 b is contained in the solid containing portion24 c of the pharmaceutical syringe 24 while being separated from aliquid contained in the liquid containing portion 24 d by the rubber R1.For using the pharmaceutical syringe 24, as illustrated in FIG. 16B, thebottom end of the pharmaceutical syringe 24 is pressed onto thetwo-agent mixing portion 305 e (downwards in FIG. 16A). The two-agentmixing portion 305 e thereby presses the rubber R2 positioned in thevicinity of the bottom end of the pharmaceutical syringe 24. The liquidcontained in the liquid containing portion 24 d is then pressed upwards.Further, the rubber R1 is also pressed and moved upwards. When therubbers R2 and R1 are further pressed upwards and reach the positionwhere the flow path portion 24 e is disposed, the liquid contained inthe liquid containing portion 24 d flows into the solid containingportion 24 c through the flow path portion 24 e. As a result, the solidpharmaceutical agent 24 b contained in the solid containing portion 24 cstarts melting and mix of the pharmaceutical agents is started. When thepharmaceutical syringe 24 is further pressed onto the two-agent mixingportion 305 e as illustrated in FIG. 16C, the rubbers R2 and R1 areunitarily moved while being abutted to each other.

As described above, the solid pharmaceutical agent 24 b all melts bypressing the pharmaceutical syringe 24 onto the two-agent mixing portion305 e to reach the bottom surface of the two-agent mixing portion 305 e.Mixing of two pharmaceutical agents is thus completed.

<3.3 Features of Third Exemplary Embodiment>

The carrying case 301 of the present exemplary embodiments includes thetwo-agent mixing portion 305 e in addition to the aforementionedfeatures of the first and second exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, itis possible to easily mix insulin or the like contained in thepharmaceutical syringe 24.

4. Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an electronic section401E of a carrying case 401 and an electronic section 21E of thepharmaceutical injection device 21 according to a fourth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that theelectronic sections 401E and 21E of the present exemplary embodiment canbe also partially or entirely applied to the aforementioned carryingcases 1, 201 and 301 of the first to third exemplary embodiments.

<4.1 The Electronic Section 21E>

The electronic section 21E of the pharmaceutical injection device 21includes a main circuit 210, a rechargeable battery 211, and an electriccharging circuit 212. Electric power is supplied to the electronicsection 21E through the carrying case 401, which will be describedlater.

The rechargeable battery 211 is a rechargeable battery including anickel hydride battery, a lithium ion battery or the like. The electriccharging circuit 212 is a circuit for electrically charging therechargeable battery. The main circuit 210 is activated with electricpower supplied from the rechargeable battery 211. The main circuit 210includes a microcomputer 213, an input device 214, a memory 215, a drivedevice 216, a sensor 217, a communication unit 218, an electric chargingterminal 219 and a display device 221.

The microcomputer 213 is configured to control a main body of thepharmaceutical injection device 21 based on a written F/W (i.e.,firmware). The input device 214 is used when the amount ofpharmaceutical injection is changed or an injection action is executedby the main body of the pharmaceutical injection device 21. The memory215 stores a set injection amount of pharmaceutical agent, a pastinjection amount of the pharmaceutical agent, the number of injectionsof the pharmaceutical agent, a time for injection of the pharmaceuticalagent and the like. The drive device 216 is mainly formed by a motor anda motor driver. The motor is rotated and a piston is then moved back andforth to administer the pharmaceutical agent into a living body. Thedrive device 216 further executes needle puncturing and pulling actionsof the pharmaceutical injection device 21. The sensor 217 is used forcounting a pulse plate (referred to as an encoder) directly connected tothe motor and controlling a moving distance during the needle puncturingand pulling actions. The communication unit 218 is configured to executewired or wireless communication with the carrying case 401 through theelectric charging device for transmitting to the carrying case 401 thesetting of the injection amount of the pharmaceutical agent, the pastinjections of the pharmaceutical agent stored in the main body memory, acurrent remaining battery level and the like. In the wiredcommunication, a USB or the like is used. In the wireless communication,on the other hand, Bluetooth, a wireless LAN or the like is used. Theelectric charging terminal 219 is electrically connected to an electriccharging terminal 409 of an electric charging device 403 a of thecarrying case 401 by means of either the wired connection (e.g., using acontact-type connection) or the wireless connection (e.g., using an eddycurrent technique) and is used for supplying electric power to thepharmaceutical device 21 for electric charging. The display device 221is, for instance, a liquid crystal display configured to display acurrent status, warning, caution or the like for allowing a user to beaware of it.

<4.2 Electronic Section 401E>

The electronic section 401E of the carrying case 401 includes a maincircuit 4010, a first power supply circuit 4011, a second power supplycircuit 4012, a switch circuit 4013, a primary battery 4014, arechargeable battery 4015, a solar power generating unit 4016, and amanual power generating unit 4017.

The electronic section 401E is supplied with electric power by acommercial power source through a plug 411 and an AC adaptor 412. The ACadaptor is a device for converting a household AC power of 100 V or thelike into a DC power. The plug 411 is designed to be connected to ahousehold power source (e.g., AC power of 100V).

Further, external devices, including a storage device 61, a personalcomputer 62, an input device 63, and the like are connected to theelectronic section 401E. The storage device 61 is configured to storeinformation in a USB memory, an SD memory and/or the like. The personalcomputer 62 is used for receiving the injection amount of thepharmaceutical agent and the like through a predetermined communication,storing the received information, and executing computations such asdata processing for user's easy understanding. The input device is a USBkeyboard and/or the like to be used for directly receiving external datainput.

The first power supply circuit 4011 is a circuit for controllingelectric power supply to the pharmaceutical injection device 21. Thesecond power supply circuit 4012 is a circuit for controlling electricpower supply to an electric charging circuit 4018. The switch circuit4013 is a circuit for switching among four power sources connected tothe switch circuit 4013 (i.e., the primary battery 4014, the solar powergenerating unit 4016, the manual power generating unit 4017, and acommercial power source). It should be noted that the number of powersources may not be necessarily four and may be greater than or less thanfour. Further, the switch circuit may not be used when only one powersource is mounted.

The primary battery 4014 is a disposal battery such as an alkalinebattery or the like. The rechargeable battery 4015 is a chargeablebattery such as a nickel hydride battery, a lithium ion battery or thelike. It should be noted that attachment of the rechargeable battery4015 to the carrying case 401 allows a user to execute a variety ofoperations excluding electric charging such as an operation of the inputdevice 63 mounted in the carrying case 401 and a communication operationeven, which will be described later, without an electric power supplyfrom a commercial power source.

The solar power generating unit 4016 is a unit for converting a solarpower into electric power using a solar battery or the like. The solarpower generating unit 4016 is configured to supply electric power forelectric charging of the rechargeable battery or other purposes.Further, the manual power generating unit 4017 is a unit for convertingan external force into electric power. For example, the manual powergenerating unit 4017 is configured to generate electric power by a userrotating a lever with his/her hand. The generated electric power is usedfor electric charging of the rechargeable battery or other purposes.

The electric charging device 403 a includes the aforementionedcomponents, i.e., the first power supply circuit 4011, the second powersupply circuit 4012, the switch circuit 4013, the primary battery 4014,the rechargeable battery 4015, the solar power generating unit 4016 andthe manual power generating unit 4017.

The main circuit 4010 includes a microcomputer 4020, a memory 4021, alid open/close detection SW 4022, a first communication unit 4024, asecond communication unit 4025, a display unit 4026, an input unit 4027,an audio unit 4028, and a vibration unit 4029.

The microcomputer 4020 is configured to control an electric chargingfunction, a communication function and the like in the carrying case401. The memory 4021 is disposed in the inside of the carrying case 401.The memory 4021 stores the set injection amount of the pharmaceuticalagent, the past injection amount of the pharmaceutical agent and thelike. The open/close detection SW (switch) 4022 detects opening andclosing of the carrying case 401. When the cover (i.e., a lid) of thecarrying case 401 is opened, the first power supply circuit 4011 is shutdown for preventing the main body of the pharmaceutical injection device21 from being electrified and charged. When the cover is closed,electric charging of the rechargeable battery 4015 and datacommunication between the memory 215 and the memory 4021 may beautomatically started.

The first communication unit 4024 is a circuit configured to communicatewith the main body of the pharmaceutical injection device 21. The secondcommunication unit 4025 is allowed to communicate with external devicesby means of either a wired communication (USB, LAN or the like) or awireless communication (Bluetooth, wireless LAN or the like). Theexternal devices herein refer to the input device 63, the personalcomputer 62 and the like.

The display unit 4026 is configured to display the current status,warning, caution or the like for allowing a user to be aware of it.Details of the display contents will be described below. The input unit4027 includes a button and the like. It should be noted that the inputunit 4027 may be connected to the carrying case 401 as an externaldevice. In this case, the input unit 4027 may be a keyboard includingten-keys (i.e., numeric keys) and numeric and alphabetic character keys.Data entry for setting the injection amount of the pharmaceutical agent,mode switching, and mode selection are executed for the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 using the input device 63 connected to the secondcommunication unit 4025. In this case, the input device 63 may beintegrally provided with the carrying case 401 or may be provided as aseparate external component. Further, data entry may be executed usingmenu keys displayed on the display unit 4026.

Obviously, the carrying case 401 may be configured to communicate with ablood glucose meter by means of a wireless communication andautomatically calculate a blood glucose level based on the data receivedfrom the blood glucose meter. Further, the blood glucose measurementdata may be temporarily stored in the memory provided in the carryingcase 401 and may be transmitted to the pharmaceutical injection device21 through the first communication unit 4024 when the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is connected to the carrying case 401. Subsequently,the injection amount of the pharmaceutical agent may be automaticallycalculated by the pharmaceutical injection device 21.

The audio unit 4028 is configured to announce a user of the currentstatus, warning, caution or the like (e.g., a remaining available numberof times for injection based on the injection amount of thepharmaceutical agent of the pharmaceutical injection device 21) by meansof sound produced by a buzzer, a sounder, a speaker or the like.

The vibration unit 4029 is configured to generate vibration/vibrationsin the carrying case 401 using a vibrator or the like for informing auser of warning, caution or the like.

<4.3 Features of Fourth Exemplary Embodiment>

The carrying case 401 of the present exemplary embodiment is configuredto execute electric charging and communication with the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 in addition to the aforementioned features of thefirst and third exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the carrying case 401can be a carrying case with superior convenience and safety.

5. Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

The following explanation relates to aspects of the user interface inthe carrying case with an electric charging function. It should be notedthat the carrying case 401 will be hereinafter exemplified as thecarrying case.

<5.1 Display Function>

<5.1.1 Display of Electric Charging Status>

FIG. 18A illustrates operation patterns of an LED (i.e., the displayunit 4026 mounted in the carrying case 401) regarding an electriccharging status of the carrying case 401. It should be noted that theLED herein used may be of a single-color type or a multi-color type andits blinking period is set to be roughly a second.

FIG. 18B illustrates display patterns of an LCD (i.e., the display unit4026 mounted in the carrying case 401) regarding the electric chargingstatus of the carrying case 401. It should be noted that the remainingbattery level is displayed on an appropriate area of the operationscreen in a normal operation, i.e., while the carrying case 401 is notbeing charged or in a non-charged state, whereas the remaining batterylevel is not displayed during electric charging or when completion ofelectric charging is displayed.

It should be noted that the display may be executed by either the LED orthe LCD. Further, the LCD may display, as a charging status of thecarrying case 401, an available number of injections of thepharmaceutical agent by the pharmaceutical injection device 21 inaccordance with the remaining battery level.

<5.1.2 Display of Communication Status>

FIG. 18C illustrates operation patterns of the LED (i.e., the displayunit 4026 mounted in the carrying case 401) regarding a communicationstatus of the carrying case 401. It should be noted that thecommunication status of the carrying case 401 refers to a communicationstatus between the carrying case 401 and a device connected to thecarrying case 401 (e.g., a personal computer, an SD card or the like).In FIG. 18C, “unconnected” refers to a status that the carrying case 401is not connected to any device connectable thereto, whereas “connected”refers to a status that the carrying case 401 is connected to a deviceconnectable thereto. Further, “communicating” refers to a status thatthe carrying case 401 is connected to and communicated with a deviceconnectable thereto.

FIG. 18D illustrates display patterns of the LCD (i.e., the display unit4026 mounted in the carrying case 401) regarding the communicationstatus of the carrying case 401.

It should be noted that display may be executed by either the LED or theLCD.

<5.1.3 Display of Electric Conduction>

An LED for an electric conduction display purpose, which is differentfrom the LED for an electric charging display purpose, is lit duringconnection (electric conduction) of the carrying case 401 to the ACadaptor. It should be noted that the LED may be lit in different colorsif the LED is operated in both an electric conduction status and anelectric charging status. For example, the LED is lit in green during an“electric conduction” operation. Further, the LED blinks in red duringan “electric charging” operation, whereas the LED is lit in red for“completion of electric charging”.

Further, the LED displays, for instance, characters indicating “electriccharging” or a picture of an “AC line” during electric conduction.

It should be noted that display may be executed by either the LED or theLCD.

<5.2 Audio Guidance Function>

In addition to or instead of the aforementioned display function, theaudio unit 4028 (FIG. 17) of the carrying case 401 may be configured toinform a user of “electric charging” and “completion of electriccharging” by means of audio guidance.

Further, the audio unit 4028 may be configured to inform a user of acommunication status with a connected device, including “connected”,“communicating” and “completion of communication” by means of audioguidance.

Further, the audio unit 4028 may be configured to inform a user ofwarning. For example, the audio unit 4028 may executes an audio guidancesuch as “charging is unavailable” if electric charging cannot be starteddue to some sort of trouble, “charging is insufficient” if aninsufficiently charged state is detected when the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is set, “set the main body correctly” when thepharmaceutical injection device 21 is not correctly set.

Further, the audio unit 4028 may be configured to inform a user of atime of injection of the pharmaceutical agent. For example, the audiounit 4028 may inform a user of a predetermined clock time set based on acalendar and/or a timer, such as a scheduled injection time and/or ablood glucose level measurement time.

<5.3 Warning Function>

The carrying case 401 may have a warning function using a buzzer orvibration instead of the aforementioned display function or in additionto the aforementioned display function and the aforementioned audioguidance function.

The audio unit 4028 (FIG. 17) may be configured to inform a user of“electric charging” and “completion of electric charging” using abuzzer. In this case, different buzzer sounds may be used for “electriccharging” and “completion of electric charging”, respectively.

The vibration unit 4029 (FIG. 17) may be configured to inform a user of“electric charging” and “completion of electric charging” by means ofvibration. In this case, different vibration patterns may be used for“electric charging” and “completion of electric charging”, respectively.

It is preferable that Buzzer or vibration for “completion of electriccharging” is set to be more recognizable by a user than that for“electric charging”.

<5.4 Lock Function>

The carrying case 401 may have a lock function for preventing it frombeing used by other users. Examples of the lock function include anelectromagnetic lock function, a private code lock function, anauthentication lock function or the like.

With the electromagnetic lock function, the carrying case 401 is lockedusing electromagnets. On the other hand, the carrying case 401 isunlocked by means of a repelling force of the electromagnets.

With the private code lock function, the carrying case 401 is lockedusing a preliminarily registered password and a personal identificationnumber (numeric numbers). On the other hand, the carrying case 401 isunlocked by inputting the password and the private identificationnumber.

With the authentication lock function, the carrying case 401 is lockedusing a preliminarily registered fingerprint or voiceprintauthentication data of a user. The carrying case 401 is c unlockedthrough an authentication process by matching a user's fingerprint orvoiceprint with the registered data.

<5.5 Features of Fifth Exemplary Embodiment>

In addition to the aforementioned features of the first to fourthexemplary embodiments, the carrying case 401 of the present exemplaryembodiment causes the display unit 4026, the audio unit 4028, and thevibration unit 4029 to inform a user of a current status of the carryingcase 401 and the pharmaceutical injection device 21, warning, caution orthe like. Therefore, the carrying case 401 can be a carrying case withsuperior safety and convenience.

6 Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 19 illustrates a syringe system 650 including a carrying case 601and the pharmaceutical injection device 21 according to a sixthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The carrying case 601 of the sixth exemplary embodiment is characterizedin that it has a temperature keeping function of keeping a temperaturefor preserving the pharmaceutical. Not a few pharmaceuticals to beadministered by the pharmaceutical injection device 21 are medicines,such as insulin, that are required to be stored in a cool place. A usernormally stores such medicines in a refrigerator or the like. In use,the user takes the pharmaceutical (i.e., in a syringe) out of the coolplace, loads the pharmaceutical in a pharmaceutical injection device,and then administers the pharmaceutical to himself/herself. When goingout, on the other hand, a user is required to store the pharmaceuticalin a separate small cool box filled with ices or the like. This isbothersome for the user. In the present exemplary embodiment, user'sconvenience is enhanced by providing the carrying case with atemperature keeping function (e.g., low-temperature keeping function).

Similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the carrying case 601includes a bottom case 602, a bottom inner case 603, and a cover 620.Similarly to the second exemplary embodiment, the carrying case 601further includes pharmaceutical presser ribs 651 and 652. As illustratedin FIG. 13, a clearance B is formed between the pharmaceutical presserrib 651 and the bottom inner case 603 whereas a clearance A is formedbetween the pharmaceutical presser rib 652 and the pharmaceuticalsyringe 24. The clearance A is greater than the clearance B. From thispoint, even when the cover 620 is further pressed from above, theclearance A is still kept between the pharmaceutical presser rib 652 andthe pharmaceutical syringe 24. Therefore, load is not applied to thepharmaceutical.

A reference numeral 653 indicates an equipment presser. The equipmentpresser 653 is configured to press the pharmaceutical syringe 24 whenthe carrying case 601 is in a closed state.

It should be noted that explanation of the same structure as those inthe first and second exemplary embodiments will be hereinafter omitted.

<6.1 Temperature Keeping Function>

<6.1.1 Configuration>

The following relates to explanation of the structure for executing atemperature keeping function of the carrying case 601 according to thepresent exemplary embodiment.

The carrying case 601 includes a power input unit 670, a sealing member672, a temperature sensor 671, a cooling state display LED 673, acooling unit (exemplifying a temperature regulation unit) 674, a lockplate 676, and a lock plate engaging portion 675.

The power input unit 670 inputs electric power therein from an externalDC power source or an external AC power source. The inputted electricpower is used for causing the cooling unit 674 to cool thepharmaceutical in the pharmaceutical syringe 24, as well as forelectrically charging the pharmaceutical injection device 21.

The temperature sensor 671 is formed by a thermister or the like andmeasures a temperature in the carrying case 601 in which thepharmaceutical syringe 24 containing a pharmaceutical is accommodated.The temperature sensor 671 is disposed in the vicinity of thepharmaceutical syringe because the temperature of the pharmaceuticalmakes a difference. The number of the temperature sensor 671 disposedherein is not limited to one and may be more than one. For example, twotemperature sensors may be disposed in the vicinity of thepharmaceutical syringe 24. In this case, it is even possible to enhancereliability by comparing and monitoring temperature data of the bothtemperature sensors. Further, a temperature sensor may be disposed on anouter surface of the carrying case 601. In this case, it is evenpossible to regulate a cooling level through the control of the coolingunit 674 based on two types of temperature data from the innertemperature sensor and the outer temperature sensor.

The sealing member 672 seals the carrying case 601. The cooling statedisplay LED 673 displays a cooling state in the inside of the carryingcase 601 using a plurality of colors.

The cooling unit 674 is a unit configured to cool the pharmaceuticalsyringe 24. The cooling unit 674 includes a cooling execution section, acooling fan, a cooling control section and the like. The coolingexecution section is configured to execute cooling with use of normallya Peltier device or the like. The cooling fan supplies a cooling air.The cooling control section is configured to control the coolingexecution section for obtaining an appropriate temperature withreference to the temperature measurement data from the temperaturesensor 671.

When the cover 620 of the carrying case 601 is closed, the lock plate676 and the lock plate engaging portion 675 are engaged with each other.The opening and closing of the cover 620 is detected by an open/closedetection unit (not illustrated in the figures) having a roughly similarconfiguration as that of the open/close detection unit 255 (see FIG.12A) of the second exemplary embodiment. Simply put, the opening andclosing of the cover 620 can be detected similarly to the secondexemplary embodiment by providing the lock plate engaging portion 674with a detection unit corresponding to the detection sensor 257 of thesecond exemplary embodiment. The cooling unit 674 is activated ordeactivated based on a signal from the open/close detection unit.

The cover 620, the bottom case 602 and the bottom inner case 603 arepreferably made of materials with high thermal insulation properties andhigh sealing properties or are processed with surface finishing byattaching sealing members to the surfaces thereof in order to enhance atemperature keeping function. Further, a rubber member, such as siliconor urethane, with a high sealing property may be separately formed onthe outer periphery of the cover 620.

<6.1.2 Actions>

When the carrying case 601 is electrified from an external power sourceconnected thereto through the power input unit 670, the inside of thecarrying case 601 is cooled by the cooling unit at a constanttemperature while the temperature within the carrying case 601 isdetected by the temperature sensor 671. When a user carries the carryingcase 601 with him/her, the carrying case 601 made of a thermalinsulation material or the like keeps its inner temperature constant (ata low temperature in this case) for a predetermined term. Further, whena user is in a car, a car battery adaptor may be used for cooling theinside of the carrying case 601 to utilize a car battery. The user'sactivity area can be thereby expanded and user's comfortableness can beenhanced in his/her daily life.

Further, the lock plate 676 and a lock plate engaging portion 675 of thecarrying case 601 detect a closed state of the cover 620 and the coolingunit is automatically activated in response to the detection. Thecooling control section of the cooling unit 674 may calculate adifference between the temperature data of the temperature sensor 671and a preliminarily set cooling temperature and may execute cooling ofthe pharmaceutical syringe 24 by controlling a cooling level (rapidcooling, strong cooling, intermediate cooling, weak cooling and thelike) depending on the temperature difference. When an opened state ofthe cover 620 is detected, on the other hand, the cooling unit 674 canbe deactivated in response to the detection. A user may be informed ofthe opened state by means of a buzzer or the like.

<6.1.3 Cooling State Informing Function>

The cooling state display LED 673 is configured to display a currenttemperature state within the carrying case 601. For example, thefollowing display patterns are available.

(1) Green LED lighting: this indicates a cooling state in which coolingis being executed or a predetermined temperature is being kept (i.e., astate that electric power is being supplied to the power source inputunit from an external power source).

(2) Yellow LED lighting: this indicates a cooled state in which a lowtemperature is being kept (i.e., a state that electric power is notbeing supplied to the power source input unit from an external powersource). In this case, a user can determine that the inner temperatureis in a necessary predetermined temperature range. It should be notedthat yellow LED lighting can be achieved by simultaneously lightinggreen and red.

(3) Red LED lighting: this indicates a state in which the innertemperature has exceeded a predetermined temperature and cooling isrequired through a supply of electric power from an external powersource.

(4) Red LED blinking: this indicates a state in which the innertemperature has been continuously at temperatures exceeding apredetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time or more andthe pharmaceutical condition is required to be checked due topossibility of chemical reactions of the pharmaceutical.

The LED may be configured to regulate the timing of the warning displaybased on not only the temperature within the carrying case 601 but alsothe temperature data of the outside of the carrying case measured by atemperature sensor additionally provided to the outer part of thecarrying case 601. For example, warning timings may be different betweena case that a temperature difference between the outside temperature andthe inside temperature is 10 degrees Celsius and a case that thetemperature difference is 20 degrees Celsius. Specifically, when thetemperature difference is 20 degrees Celsius or more, warning isinformed (i.e., LED is lit in red) earlier than the case that thetemperature difference is 10 degrees Celsius. Further, theaforementioned required predetermined temperature range may beautomatically changed in accordance with the temperature difference ininforming a user of warning.

It should be noted that warning may be given by the display unit (e.g.,LCD) or the audio unit (FIG. 17) of the carrying case 601 in addition toor instead of the warning by the cooling state display LED 673.

<6.2 Features of Sixth Exemplary Embodiment>

The carrying case 601 of the present exemplary embodiment includes thecooling unit 674 in addition to the aforementioned features of the firstto fifth exemplary embodiments. This allows a user to carry a sparepharmaceutical at ease with him/her. Therefore, the carrying case 601can be a carrying case with superior convenience and safety.

Further, the carrying case 601 of the present exemplary embodiment isconfigured to cause the display unit (e.g., LED or LCD) or the audiounit to inform a user of the temperature state in the inside of thecarrying case 601. This allows a user to take care of the pharmaceuticalmore accurately and safety of the pharmaceutical can be therebyenhanced.

7. Other Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been explainedabove. However, the present invention is not limited to theaforementioned exemplary embodiments, and a variety of changes can bemade for the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the scopeof the present invention. For example, the present invention covers anycarrying cases produced by combining all or parts of the aforementionedstructures of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments.

Other exemplary embodiments, excluding the aforementioned exemplaryembodiments, will be hereinafter explained. However, explanation of thesame parts as those in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments will behereinafter omitted.

7.1 Antibacterial Processing

The antibacterial processing may be executed for the surfaces (includingboth of the outer and inner surfaces) of the cover and the bottom caseof the carrying case of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments.

The antibacterial processing has been widely applied for kitchenware(e.g., cutting boards and kitchen knives) or the like. A normally usedtechnique is antibacterial printing for coating the surfaces. Other thanthe above technique, the technique of thermally solidifyingantibacterial agent may be used.

Execution of the aforementioned antibacterial processing preventscontamination due to attached substances such as blood and enhanceseasiness of cleaning off such attached substances.

In addition to the aforementioned antibacterial processing, the carryingcase may further include a step, a liquid relief portion or adouble-walled structure in the opening and closing part of the cover inorder to block attached substances (e.g., liquid) from entering theinside of the carrying case. Accordingly, substances such as blood areprevented from attaching to the surface and are also prevented fromentering the inside of the carrying case. The carrying case enhances itssanitation and safety.

7.2 Configuration Examples of Carrying Case

FIGS. 20 to 29 illustrate examples of a configuration of the carryingcase of the present invention.

7.2.1 Configuration Example 1

FIG. 20 illustrates one example of a configuration of the carrying casein which the carrying case is a horizontal type. FIG. 20A illustrates atop view of a carrying case 701. FIGS. 20B and 20C illustrate alongitudinal cross-sectional view and a transverse cross-sectional viewof the carrying case 701 respectively. The carrying case 701 is notprovided with a cover and an equipment accommodation portion. Seen fromabove, a bottom case 702 includes a constriction portion 781. Asillustrated in FIG. 20B, a recess 782 is formed in a part of theconstriction portion 781. The shape allows a user to easily put/removethe pharmaceutical injection device 21 in/from the bottom case 702.

As illustrated in FIG. 20B, the carrying case 701 allows thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to be put in the bottom case 702. Inthis state, lock arms 707 and 708, respectively disposed on the ends ofthe bottom case 702, are engaged with the both ends of thepharmaceutical injection device 21. The pharmaceutical injection device21 is thereby fixed to the bottom case 702 while an electric chargingterminal of the electric charging device 703 a and a terminal receiverof the pharmaceutical injection device 21 reliably make contact witheach other.

As illustrated in FIG. 20A, the carrying case 701 further includes anLED 710 disposed on the top surface of the bottom case 702 and theelectric charging device 703 a disposed in the inside of the bottom case702. The LED 710 and the electric charging device 703 a have the samestructure and function as those of the corresponding components in theaforementioned first to sixth exemplary embodiments.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20B and 20C, the bottom case 702 furtherincludes elevated protector portions 783 and 784 on the both endsthereof. The tip of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 and a powerbutton 21 c disposed on the rear end of the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 are prevented from being exposed to the outside and arethereby protected.

7.2.2 Configuration Example 2

FIG. 21 illustrates another example of a configuration of the carryingcase in which the carrying case is a horizontal type. FIG. 21Aillustrates a top view of a carrying case 801. FIGS. 21B and 21Cillustrate a longitudinal side view and a transverse side view of thecarrying case 801, respectively. The carrying case 801 does not includean equipment accommodation portion. Further, the carrying case 801includes a transparent or translucent tip protector portion 885 in placeof a cover.

As illustrated in FIG. 21B, the carrying case 801 allows thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to be put in a bottom case 802. Whenthe pharmaceutical injection device 21 is put in the bottom case 802,the pharmaceutical injection device 21 is inserted at an angle withrespect to the bottom case 802 while the tip thereof is inserted intothe tip protector portion 885, and is then placed in the bottom case802. The lock arm 708, disposed in the rear end (opposite to the tipprotector portion 885) of the bottom case 802, is engaged with the rearend of the pharmaceutical injection device 21. The pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is thereby held in the bottom case 802. This allowsan electric charging terminal of the electric charging device 803 a anda terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 toreliably make contact with each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 21A, the carrying case 801 further includes anLED 810 and the electric charging device 803 a. The LED 810 is disposedon the top surface of the bottom case 802 whereas the electric chargingdevice 803 a is disposed in the inside of the bottom case 802. The LED810 and the electric charging device 803 a have the same structure andfunction as those of the corresponding components in the aforementionedfirst to sixth exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 21C, the bottom case 802 further includes anelevated protector portion 884 on the rear end thereof. The tipprotector portion 885 and the protector portion 884 protect thepharmaceutical injection device 21 for preventing its front end and itsrear end having the power button 21 c from being exposed to the outside.

7.2.3 Configuration Example 3

FIG. 22 illustrates one example of a configuration of the carrying casein which the carrying case is a vertical type. FIG. 22A illustrates atop view of a carrying case 901. FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate a front viewand a side view of the carrying case 901, respectively. The carryingcase 901 includes a bottom case 902 and a vertical cover 986. The bottomcase 902 allows the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to be heldthereto while supporting the rear end of the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21. The vertical cover 986 is disposed vertically along the mainbody of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 mounted upright on thebottom case 902.

The carrying case 901 further includes an LED 910 and an electriccharging device 903 a. The LED 910 is disposed on the top surface of thebottom case 902 as illustrated in FIG. 22A, whereas the electriccharging device 903 a is disposed in the inside of the bottom case 902as illustrated in FIG. 22B. The LED 910 and the electric charging device903 a have the same structure and function as those of the correspondingcomponents in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 22B, electric charging terminals 919 of thepharmaceutical injection device 21 and electric charging terminals 909of the electric charging device 903 a make contact with each other whenthe pharmaceutical injection device 21 is set in the bottom case 902,and electric charging will be thereby available.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22C, the vertical cover 986 of thecarrying case 901 includes a tip protector portion 983 for covering thetip of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 mounted in the carryingcase 901. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, the vertical cover 986 furtherincludes equipment accommodation portions 905 for accommodating thepharmaceutical 24, a needle and the like.

7.2.4 Configuration Example 4

FIG. 23 illustrates another example of a configuration of the carryingcase in which the carrying case is a vertical type. FIG. 23A illustratesa top view of a carrying case 1001. FIGS. 23B and 23C illustrate a frontview and a side view of the carrying case 1001, respectively. Similarlyto the aforementioned configuration example 3, the carrying case 1001includes a bottom case 1002 and a vertical cover 1086. The bottom case102 allows the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to be held thereinwhile supporting the rear end of the pharmaceutical injection device 21.The vertical cover 1086 is integrally disposed vertically along the mainbody of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 mounted upright on thebottom case 1002.

As illustrated in FIG. 23C, the carrying case 1001 further includes anLED 1010 and an electric charging device 1003 a. The LED 1010 isdisposed on a side surface of the bottom case 1002, whereas the electriccharging device 1003 a is disposed in the inside of the bottom case1002. The LED 1010 and the electric charging device 1003 a have the samestructure and function as those of the corresponding components in theaforementioned first to sixth exemplary embodiments. Similarly to theaforementioned configuration example 3, the electric charging terminalof the pharmaceutical injection device 21 and an electric chargingterminal of the electric charging device 1003 a make contact with eachother, and electric charging will be thereby available.

As illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23C, the vertical cover 1086 of thecarrying case 1001 includes a tip protector portion 1083 for coveringthe tip of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 mounted in thecarrying case 1001.

7.2.5 Configuration Example 5

FIG. 24 illustrates yet another example of a configuration of thecarrying case in which the carrying case is a vertical type. FIG. 24 Aillustrates a top view of a carrying case 1101. FIGS. 24B and 24Cillustrate a front view and a side view of the carrying case 1101,respectively. The carrying case 1101 includes a bottom case 1102 and acover 1120. The bottom case 1102 allows the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 to be held therein while supporting the rear end of thepharmaceutical injection device 21. The cover 1120 is detachably mountedon the bottom case 1102 while entirely covering the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21. The cover 1120 is made of transparent ortranslucent material.

As illustrated in FIG. 24C, the carrying case 1101 further includes anLED 1110 and an electric charging device 1103 a. The LED 1110 isdisposed on a side surface of the bottom case 1102, whereas the electriccharging device 1103 a is disposed in the inside of the bottom case1102. The LED 1110 and the electric charging device 1103 a have the samestructure and function as those of the corresponding components in theaforementioned first to sixth exemplary embodiments. Similarly to theaforementioned configuration example 3, the electric charging terminalof the pharmaceutical injection device 21 and an electric chargingterminal of the electric charging device 1003 a make contact with eachother, and electric charging will be thereby available.

7.2.6 Configuration Example 6

FIG. 25 illustrates yet another example of a configuration of thecarrying case in which the carrying case is a horizontal type. FIG. 25Aillustrates a top view of a carrying case 1201. FIGS. 25B and 25Cillustrate a longitudinal side view and a transverse side view of thecarrying case 1201, respectively. The carrying case 1201 does notinclude an equipment accommodation portion but includes a tip protectorportion 1285 shaped for covering roughly half the front part of thepharmaceutical injection device 21 mounted therein.

As illustrated in FIG. 25B, the carrying case 1201 allows thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to be disposed in a bottom case 1202.For putting the pharmaceutical injection device 21 in the bottom case1202, the pharmaceutical injection device 21 is inserted at an anglewith respect to the bottom case 1202 while the tip thereof is insertedinto the tip protector portion 1285, and is then placed in the bottomcase 1202. A lock arm 1208, disposed in the rear end (opposite to thetip protector portion 1285) of the bottom case 1202, is engaged with therear end of the pharmaceutical injection device 21. The pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is thereby held in the bottom case 1202. This allowsan electric charging terminal of an electric charging device 1203 a andthe terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 toreliably make contact with each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the carrying case 1201 furtherincludes an LED 1210 and the electric charging device 1203 a. The LED1210 is disposed at the tip protector portion 1285, whereas the electriccharging device 1203 a is disposed in the inside of the bottom case1202. The LED 1210 and the electric charging device 1203 a have the samestructure and function as those of the corresponding components in thefirst to sixth exemplary embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 25B, the bottom case 1202 further includes anelevated protector portion 1284 on the rear end thereof. The tipprotector portion 1285 and the protector portion 1284 protect thepharmaceutical injection device 21 for preventing its front end and itsrear end having a power button 21 c from being exposed to the outside.

7.2.7 Configuration Example 7

FIG. 26 also illustrates yet another example of a configuration of thecarrying case in which the carrying case is a horizontal type. FIG. 26Aillustrates a top view of a carrying case 1301. FIGS. 26B and 26Cillustrate a longitudinal side view and a transverse side view of thecarrying case 1301, respectively. The carrying case 1301 is differentfrom the carrying cases of the aforementioned first to sixth exemplaryembodiments mainly in that a cover 1320 is made of transparent ortranslucent material. As illustrated in FIG. 26C, the cover 1320 and abottom case 1302 are configured to be openable and closable by beingcoupled to each other by means of a hinge 1387.

As illustrated in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the carrying case 1301 includes anLED 1310 and an electric charging device 1303 a. The LED 1310 isdisposed in a bottom inner case, whereas the electric charging device1303 a is disposed in the inside of the bottom case 1302. The LED 1310and the electric charging device 1303 a have the same structure andfunction as those of the corresponding components in the aforementionedfirst to sixth exemplary embodiments. The bottom inner case includesequipment accommodation portions 1305 and a protection cap holdingportion 1322 in predetermined positions.

As illustrated in FIG. 26B, the carrying case 1301 allows thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to be held in the bottom case 1302.In this state, lock arms 1307 and 1308, disposed in the both ends of thebottom case 1302, are engaged with the both ends of the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21. The pharmaceutical injection device 21 is therebyheld in the bottom case 1302. This allows an electric charging terminalof the electric charging device 1303 a and the terminal receiver of thepharmaceutical injection device 21 to reliably make contact with eachother.

FIG. 27 also illustrates another example of a configuration of thecarrying case in which the carrying case is a horizontal type similar tothe configuration example illustrated in FIG. 26. However, the carryingcase is entirely made compact by putting the equipment accommodationportions 1305 in close positions.

FIG. 28 also illustrates another example of a configuration of thecarrying case in which the carrying case is a horizontal type similar tothe configuration example illustrated in FIG. 26. However, theconfiguration example of FIG. 28 is different from that of FIG. 26 inthat: the cover 1320 is not made of transparent or translucent material;a check window portion 1390 is disposed in the cover 1320; and apivotable support plate 1388 is disposed in the cover 1320 asillustrated in FIG. 28D. The check window 1390, which is transparent ortranslucent, is disposed in a position corresponding to a display unit(LED, LCD or the like) of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 whenthe pharmaceutical injection device 21 is mounted in the carrying case.The support plate 1388 is configured to pivot about a part of the bottomcase 1302. A stopper (not illustrated in the figure) acts on the supportplate 1388 when the support plate 1388 is opened to a predeterminedangle. With the support plate 1388, the carrying case 1301 can be placedin such a manner that the carrying case 1301 slants at a predeterminedangle with respect to the horizontal plane. This allows a user to easilywatch the check window portion 1390 and the display unit (LED, LCD orthe like) of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 while the carryingcase 1302 is put on a horizontal plane.

7.2.8 Configuration Example 8

FIG. 29 also illustrates yet another example of a configuration of thecarrying case in which the carrying case is a horizontal type. FIG. 29Aillustrates a top view of a carrying case 1401. FIGS. 29B and 29Cillustrate a longitudinal side view and a transverse side view of thecarrying case 1401, respectively. The carrying case 1401 includes a tipprotector cover 1489 in place of a cover. The tip protector cover 1489,which is made of transparent or translucent material, is attached to abottom case 1402 in an openable and closable manner and covers the tipof the pharmaceutical injection device 21.

When the pharmaceutical injection device 21 is mounted in a carryingcase 1401, the tip protector cover 1489 is opened and the pharmaceuticalinjection device 21 is put in the bottom case 1402, as illustrated inFIG. 29B. As illustrated in FIG. 29B, a lock arm 1408, which is disposedin the rear end of the bottom case 1402, is engaged with the rear end ofthe pharmaceutical injection device 21. The pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 is thereby held in the bottom case 1402. This allows anelectric charging terminal of an electric charging device 1403 a and theterminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 to reliablymake contact with each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 29A, the carrying case 1401 further includes anLED 1410 and the electric charging device 1403 a. The LED 1410 isdisposed on the top surface of the bottom case 1402, whereas theelectric charging device 1403 a is disposed in the inside of the bottomcase 1402. The LED 1410 and the electric charging device 1403 a have thesame structure and function as those of the corresponding components inthe aforementioned first to sixth exemplary embodiments. The bottom case1402 includes equipment accommodation portions 1405 in predeterminedpositions.

In the present configuration example, the bottom case 1402 furtherincludes a wedge bottom portion 1490 with a triangular cross-section asillustrated in FIG. 29C. In this case, the pharmaceutical injectiondevice 21 slants at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontalplane when accommodated in the carrying case as illustrated in FIG. 29C. This allows a user to easily watch the display unit (LED, LCD or thelike) of the pharmaceutical injection device 21 while the carrying case1402 is placed on a horizontal plane.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the carrying case of the present invention, a user is notrequired to separately carry an electric charging device with him/her,and the pharmaceutical injection device and a variety of equipment canbe protected from shocks due to falling, contact or the like. Therefore,the carrying case of the present invention is especially useful as acarrying case that an older/physically-disabled person carries withhim/her when going out.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Carrying case-   2 Bottom case (Case unit)-   2 a Support shaft insertion portion-   2 b Clearance-   3 Bottom inner case (Inner case)-   3 a Electric charging device-   4 Shock-absorbing material-   5 Equipment accommodation portion-   6 Main body accommodation portion (Recess)-   7 Lock arm (Lock mechanism)-   8 Lock arm (Lock mechanism)-   9 Electric charging terminal-   9 a Electric charging terminal spring (Elastic member)-   10 LED (Light source)-   11 Plug-   12 AC adaptor-   13 Power supply printed circuit board-   13 a Connector-   14 Shock-absorbing material-   15 Collar-   16 Screw-   17 Electric charging unit-   18 Screw-   19 Shock-absorbing material (Second shock-absorbing material)-   20 Cover (case unit)-   20 a Support shaft holding portion-   20 b Support shaft-   20 c Equipment presser rib-   20 d Shock-absorbing material (First shock-absorbing material)-   20 e Window portion-   21 Pharmaceutical injection device-   21 b Main operating section-   22 Protection cap holding portion (Equipment holding portion)-   23 Unused needle-   24 Pharmaceutical syringe-   25 Slide knob (engaging mechanism)-   26 Cord-   26 a DC plug-   27 Primary battery-   28 Jack (connector)-   29 Rechargeable battery-   30 Needle accommodation portion-   31 Pharmaceutical accommodation portion-   32 Display unit-   33 Input unit-   34 Microcomputer-   35 Drive unit-   36 Memory-   37 Sensor-   39 Terminal receiver-   40 Electric charging circuit-   50 Syringe system

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A carrying case that accommodates a pharmaceuticalinjection device for administering a pharmaceutical to a living body,comprising: a case unit configured to accommodate the pharmaceuticalinjection device therein; and a temperature regulation unit configuredto regulate a temperature within the case unit, wherein the temperatureregulation unit includes: a cooling execution section configured toexecute a cooling operation; a cooling fan configured to supply a coolair into the case unit; and a cooling control section configured tocontrol the cooling execution section.
 24. The carrying case accordingto claim 23, wherein the case unit further includes at least onetemperature sensor, and the cooling control section of the temperatureregulation unit is configured to control the cooling execution sectionbased on a value/values measured by the at least one temperature sensor.25. The carrying case according to claim 23, further comprising: anelectric charging device mounted in the case unit, the electric chargingdevice including an electric charging terminal electrically connectableto the pharmaceutical injection device, the electric charging devicebeing configured to electrically charge the pharmaceutical injectiondevice, wherein the temperature regulation unit is configured to beoperated by electric power supplied from the electric charging device.26. The carrying case according to claim 23, wherein the case unitincludes an openable/closable pair of a cover and a bottom case, and thetemperature regulation unit is configured to stop or start a coolingoperation in conjunction with an opening action or a closing action ofthe cover and the bottom case.
 27. The carrying case according to claim23, wherein the case unit is made of a material having either a thermalinsulation property or a sealing property.
 28. The carrying caseaccording to claim 23, wherein the case unit has a sealing memberattached on an outer surface thereof.
 29. The carrying case according toclaim 23, further comprising: a display unit configured to display atemperature status in the inside of the case unit. 30-36. (canceled) 37.The carrying case according to claim 23, wherein the case unit includesan inner case, and the case unit further includes a thirdshock-absorbing member between the case unit and the inner case.
 38. Thecarrying case according to claim 23, wherein the case unit isantibacterial.
 39. A syringe system, comprising: the carrying caseaccording to claim 23; and the pharmaceutical injection deviceconfigured to be accommodated in the carrying case. 40-42. (canceled)